I try to make minimal noise so as not to wake Phin when I open and close the heavy door, padding in my socks across the open space till I locate where I can hear talking. People are in the kitchen, and I pause just outside of the doorway upon hearing a loud slap against marble, along with Willow's shrill voice.
“There is no way I’m staying here when someone's been murdered in the fucking pool!”
“I think the best thing for us all is to stay calm. We don't know what happened to Corbin, so let's listen to the detectives when they speak with us.” Merle is always the mediator, but I don't think it's working this time.
“The blow to his head looked like it had some force behind it.” Jay chimes in, the wrong thing to do because now Bran becomes high-pitched.
“Oh god, part of his skull was just missing. That wasn't an accident, he was attacked. What if they're still here? Let's leave, I’ll go find Mavis.”
More banging ensues, before I push myself flat against the doorframe as Bran barrels out of the kitchen, Merle nearly slamming into me as he halts and causes a pile up of guests behind him.
“I’m so sorry Robin, we didn’t know you were awake.”
Wrens arm yank him back as the now familiar mop of wild curls replaces where he stood. “How are you feeling? You should be resting.”
Our hands crave each other's touch in a way I’ve never felt before. Is it normal to feel like this with a man you only met yesterday? Someone I thought I hated for years? Stranger wasn’t the right word, because he’d always been known to me. His large palm smooths the bottom of my spine, his eyes looking over me with worry.
“I—don’t know. I’d really like a cup of tea.” My throat is dry and I have no idea how long I've been asleep. All I rememberis Wren laying me down on the sofa, fluttering around with blankets and talking with Merle who came in soon after with Phin. They gave us something to sleep, but without the aid I crashed hard.
Others file past us into the lobby, Willow managing to whip us with her hair as she rushes by. “Where is my phone and car keys? I’m not waiting around to be involved in some shit I have nothing to do with.”
Like the saint he is, Merle remains calm.“None of us knows what's going on, let’s just wait until the detectives speak with us.” I can tell by his tone this may not be the first time someone has told her this.
“I don’t fucking care. Where is my phone? Car keys? Mavis and I are leaving.” She moves her suitcase further towards the main doors, but her friend isn’t with her, potentially with Lily somewhere in the hotel or now with Bran.
Surprising us all, Cardinal steps up. “Stop acting like a Princess and listen to him. If you go, the detectives will only follow you back to London.” He points in the direction of the gardens. “The sooner they deal with this the sooner they’ll leave and we can go. So stop being a little brat and go back upstairs.”
Stopping in front of the door, she lets her suitcase clatter on its side as she squares up to him. A vein pops in his neck, and the writer in me can’t help but think this is the perfect amount of sexual tension for a good enemy to lovers plot line.
God my brain is not on the straight and narrow right now.
“Do not call me a princess.” She grits, a tension filled silence falling over the entire open space as he bends his neck to lean into her space.
“Then behave and do as you’re told.Princess.”
That’s it. My mind is officially in the gutter.
Merle steps up with hands more firmly held out in front of him. “I think we should all be a little more sensitive to ourfriends right now.” His voice drops to a near hiss. “Phoenix is in that room right there devastated his brother is dead! Show some respect. Both of you. They’re moving his body and then they’re going to probably talk to us all. I assume they’ll ask questions and unfortunately, you found him so they’ll want to talk to you.”
Willow’s sharp eyes run up and down him, but to my surprise she nods, before storming straight past us into the kitchen. Cardinal mutters something under his breath and grabs her suitcase handle and bag, dragging everything as he follows. I hear him call her a little brat again and I honestly think she may have met her match, or at least a worthy contender.
A man with the most ridiculous seventies inspired moustache enters through the dining room, his tie in a wonky knot and despite wearing a suit, he doesn’t wear it well. I don’t know if it's his tash or how much wax is in his hair, but I imagine him more comfortable in a bad reboot of Miami-vice. His shirt is also untucked, underneath his open blazer jacket.
“Hello everyone. I’m DS Starling. DC Goldie is with our other colleagues outside. We’re going to be taking statements. Sorry we’re only just getting started, they had us go the long way due to the flood barriers being set up in the village.” We’re expecting heavy rain within days, and considering we’re in the heart of York where the flooding gets pretty bad, I bet the bridge outside the hotel won’t stand a chance. He brings out a notepad and turns to Merle. “Are all guests in the house?”
He nods. “Yes. Everyone’s dotted around, but we’re all here. Anything we can help with please just let me know.”
Perfectly timed, Lily, Bran, Jay and Mavis fly down the staircase; the latter ending up in her boyfriend's arms, whilst Lil moves around Merle to shake the detective's hand.
“Thank you so much for coming. I’m Miss Claythorne, I rang you over the hotel’s line.”
Her cheeks are stained with dried makeup and tears, her hair a bird's nest. I probably look the same.
“It’s no problem Miss Claythorne. I am incredibly sorry for your loss.”
Falling under his gaze next, I already feel scrutinised but that may be because the only time I’ve actually met a detective, I was a child and Mum was dead.
“I know you briefly explained what happened Mr Redfern,” He dips his notepad towards Merle, “but can we go over things again. Who found the body?”
